aegasid

Aegasid is a term used in ancient Greek mythology to refer to the descendants of Aegisthus, a figure from the Trojan Cycle. Aegisthus was a son of King Tyndareus of Sparta and Leda, the wife of King Priam of Troy. He is known for his role in the Trojan War and his subsequent actions in Sparta.

The term "Aegasid" specifically refers to the descendants of Aegisthus who were born after his father Tyndareus had been killed by his own son Atreus. This is significant because Aegisthus was not Tyndareus' biological son, but rather the result of an incestuous relationship between Leda and Tyndareus. The Aegasids were therefore considered illegitimate and were often treated with suspicion and hostility.

The most notable Aegasid is Aegisthus himself, who played a crucial role in the Trojan War. After the war, he returned to Sparta and became a prominent figure in the city's politics. However, his actions, including the murder of his own brother Agamemnon, led to his downfall and eventual death.

The term "Aegasid" is also used more broadly to refer to any descendant of Aegisthus, regardless of their generation. This includes figures like Orestes, the son of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, who is a central character in the Oresteia, a trilogy of tragedies by Aeschylus.